I just sold my parent's home just south of there. They lived in an upscale area, so my view is skewed. I can say this: I've visited most major cities in FL, and this is by far the best area in the state. The only downside is that it is growing at an unbelievable rate, even faster than Denver in the 1980s or LA in the 1950s and 1960s. The resources are really straining to keep up. However, if you like FL (and I am someone who does), this is a great place to be.

I lived in Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples from 1988 to 1997. What do you need to know?

I need to find an extended stay hotel for a few weeks until my first paycheck rolls in. Ill be teaching web page design at Riverdale HS. I went to Lee County a couple years ago for a job fair and thought the city was gorgeous. Didnt get to take in the beach there then but definitely will this time around.

Only sucky thing is that the wife and kids are going to stay here in KY until I can find us a place down there. But at least I get a week next month for Spring Break to come home and visit. Then school lets out May 25.

Im just so happy to be back on a steady payroll again.

pmasters,

My Friend is a Realtor in Ft Meyers and knows the community well.

239.333.3265 Office

Ask for Ron Kerr

-TomE

Thanks TomE. Ill definitely be giving him a call. I just need something small to occupy until my paychecks start rolling in. Would love to find a little houseboat to rent for that time.

I have so much packing to do and have no idea what lesson plans I need or if they already have plans for me to follow. Totally nervous and scared all at the same time.

Good Luck!

I got involved with my local Macromedia users group and found a lot of resources and people to bounce ideas off. You may look into that for your area too.

TomE

TomE, woudlnt you know. Thats exactly what I am teaching (Macromedia products.)

Are there any areas in Ft. Myers that I need to take special care in avoiding (crime areas, etc..) I figure as long as I can find my way to school, the beach, Starbucks, and Joes Crab Shack, Ill be good to go.

Hope all goes great in the sunshine state,, but forget about the chain seafood, you are on the gulf man !!!!! Fresh fish at a real crab shack,, then you will be good to go!!!!

Dude, finding a hotel down there is IMPOSSIBLE. Apparently my start date (next week) coincides with the wonderful college tradition known as Spring Break. Hotel prices are outandish. $250-$400 a night? Wow. Definitely think teachers are underpaid now.

Im going to be working to just sleep. Unbelieveable.

Hey,
many moons ago I went to Spring Break and it was actually in Ft Myers/Sanibel

As Seniors in Highschool (drinking age was 18 I think in those days) we had no money and a station wagon. But we had a Tent!!!!!! We stayed at the KOA campground it was 10 bucks a nite back then.

It is scaring me to think about it!!!

Iffin it were me, I'd call thehe chamber of commerce, lead you to aome realtors and see if you can get a corporate apt with a short term lease.
Also get out the map and look inland 40 miles or so maybe find a cheap hotel,, commute beats a tent !

Wow. I was able to speak with the teacher I am replacing and I must say, my excitement has definitely grown. Seems like I am getting a great group of kids to teach and this teacher is awesome. He is going to make the transition so much more smoother than if I came in there with free control to do whatever. From lesson plans to projects to finals already detailed and prepared. This man is definitely awesome.

Still havent found any luck with a place to stay. Hotels/extended stays are horrible rate wise. $800 a week? How in the blue hell can any hotel justify $800 for a bed and bathroom? I mean, do I get a gold toilet or breakfast in bed?

Safe to say, I may be the first homeless teacher in history or at least that I know of. Makes it even worse that my first paycheck wont be coming until March 30. So I will have to find some way to survive for 25 days on just over a grand. I guess this is what they mean by paying your dues huh? This will definitely test my commitment level to teaching.

I am a bit north of you in Orlando. I also teach high school and of course we are under paid. At least you missed FCAT week.

$800 a week in a beach town is about right for this time of year. They can get $150-200 a night. Check in-land to see if you can commute for now. You will find the housing market tough as well. A HS teacher salary will not cover a house without help from a second income.

Teaching the Macromedia suite to high school students is very easy. You are going to have a blast.

kolbok (at) ocps (dot) net

I live in the Port Charlotte area (about 30 mile North of Ft. Myers) during the winter months and love it. I don't want to rain on your parade but the housing prices have just skyrocketed down here. I think they have gone up about 300% in the last 2-3 years. I am on a waterway and it is just outrageous how much the prices have risen. I don't think it's quite as bad inland. The good news is that it's a buyers market right now. I think a lot of people are trying to cash in. Not sure what rentals, condos, etc are going for. Unfortunatley, a lot of apartments are changing over to condos.

Don't forget that we are at the height of the season right now in Florida and most type of short and long stay places are charging prime rates.

Good luck on your search.

TomG

Yeah. I called the School District today to see if they could assist me especially since I am coming in at the middle of the year. Hopefulyl she will call me back with some good news tomorrow.

Whats really amazing is how they expect teachers to be able to afford housing down there is beyond me especially with the lower wages for teachers. Its almost like I need to get HUD or something. It just baffles the mind. That said, I am still very thankful to even have a job teaching. Just wish there were a bit more perks to go with the job.

Pmasters,
Here's a link to several extended stay places that charge between $93-114 a night. Not the best rates but maybe start there and move later once you find cheaper accommodations: http://www.oakwood.com/corporate-apartments/US/FL/Fort-Myers.html?source=1224. I'm from Orlando but haven't lived there for many years. Do visit often however. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Randy

Well, good news, well better news. Got a call this morning from a relator down there who knew someone with condos for rent. Still a bit pricey but the cool thing is because I am a teacher, this guy is going to cut me a deal on rent and not require security deposit etc... So it looks like my new home will be in Cape Coral (which is beautiful by the way.) Ill be in town there Sunday after I take in Vic's feature the night before. By Wednesday of next week, Ill start finally teaching my own classes and can finally say goodbye to the life of a substitute teacher.

What better place to shoot footage than by the beaches and waterways with palm trees.

Im so stoked. Thanks to everyone for advice and links. Believe it or not, it helped to keep me somewhat sane the last few days.

Have you tried looking for roommate options in Craigslist? Usually you can find something, or a short term apartment.